FAQs

How Low Can You Go?

2023-08-28T19:47:50-05:00August 28th, 2023|

You may think an instrument rating is only required when the conditions are IFR, but there are times when it is needed even in VFR weather.

What is the 70-50 rule?

2023-07-19T09:22:46-05:00July 19th, 2023|

The correct 70-50 rule of thumb recommends if you have not attained 70% of your rotation speed by the time you reach 50% of your calculated takeoff distance, you should abort your takeoff. This rule of thumb can only be used as a method to help a pilot decide when they need to abort a takeoff when it is based on this calculation.

What is the purpose of filing a VFR Flight Plan?

2023-05-27T16:38:49-05:00May 27th, 2023|

A VFR flight plan is a form you send to the FAA with a record of your planned flight, including details such as your destination and route. The sole purpose of this procedure is so that they can initiate search and rescue services if something happens to you en route. 

How Should I Log my Flight Time as a Safety Pilot?

2023-03-13T14:38:50-05:00March 13th, 2023|

A safety pilot (SP) is a second flight crewmember required by 14 CFR §91.109(c)(1) only when the  pilot flying (PF) is flying under simulated instrument conditions. Only the simulated instrument portion of the flight requires two pilots and is therefore the only period for which both pilots could potentially log PIC time. A safety pilot may log PIC time as long as they are acting as pilot-in-command for the simulated instrument portion of the flight. If they are not acting as pilot-in-command they must log their time as SIC.

What are the benefits of VFR flight following and should I use it for cross-country flights?

2023-02-23T15:48:38-06:00February 23rd, 2023|

VFR flight following means that air traffic control (ATC) is tracking your aircraft in real time on radar systems and will provide you with traffic advisories, safety alerts, vectors when requested, hazardous weather information and assistance in an emergency. This service must be requested by pilots and is only available when controller workloads allow.

How do I pick up my IFR clearance at a non-towered airport?

2022-12-27T19:38:40-06:00December 27th, 2022|

At some airports you may be able to reach ATC on the ground using the radio frequency listed for clearance delivery or approach control. Another option is to call clearance delivery directly on your phone. You can find the phone number for the overlying Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) listed in the Chart Supplement under in the communications section under “Clearance Delivery Phone.”  You can also pick up an IFR clearance after you are airborne, providing you remain VFR until you get your clearance.

Who has the right of way in the traffic pattern?

2022-09-23T18:20:23-05:00September 23rd, 2022|

The problem with the right-of-way rules is that they not only rely on each aircraft being aware of the other but also that at least one of them is going to take appropriate avoiding action.  Whomever has the right of way is essentially irrelevant if either pilot is unaware of the other traffic, and even if you think you have the right of way do you really want to rely on the other pilot to do the right thing? 

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